Artwork

Footbridge, Worth

Footbridge, Worth, by Otto Henry Bacher, 1879
Footbridge, Worth, by Otto Henry Bacher, 1879

Footbridge, Worth is a print by the Impressionist artist Otto Henry Bacher. It dates from 1879 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Otto H.

About this work

Overview

Otto H. Bacher’s 1879 print *Footbridge, Worth* captures a solitary figure on an aging wooden bridge spanning shallow water. The composition is rendered with restrained line work, emphasizing the quiet atmosphere of the scene. The work belongs to the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents a lone individual, turned away from the viewer, holding a rake while standing on a weathered bridge. Nearby, ducks glide across the murky water, and reeds fringe the bank, suggesting a moment of stillness and contemplation within an ordinary rural setting.

Technique & Style

Bacher employs simple, economical lines that give the print the appearance of a rapid sketch. The emphasis on the bridge’s uneven planks and rusted supports, combined with the muted depiction of water and foliage, creates a sense of texture without elaborate detail.

History & Provenance

Created in 1879, the print reflects Bacher’s broader practice in etching and illustration, alongside his work in oil painting. It entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains accessible to the public.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Otto Henry Bacher

Artist

Otto Henry Bacher

Otto Henry Bacher (May 31, 1856, Cleveland - August 16, 1909, Bronxville, New York) was an American artist; primarily known for his etchings and illustrations. He also painted oils in a variety of genres.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.